Strong 7.6‑Magnitude Quake Rocks Panama, Prompting Tsunami Alerts Across Central America

A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Panama and triggered tsunami warnings along the west coast of Central and South America, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake occurred along the southern coast, the USGS said, centered near the southern tip of the country, about 14 km (9 mi) southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba.

The Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama reported the tremor hit just before 1 p.m. local time near the southern town of Tonosí; a second 6.0‑magnitude quake followed at 1:22 p.m.

By 1:30 p.m., officials had recorded roughly 13 aftershocks.

President José Raúl Mulino urged calm via X, writing that the event should not be used to generate alarm or disorder.

Local newspaper La Prensa said buildings, schools and homes were evacuated across Panama due to the “powerful movement of the earth.” Footage showed severe damage to several structures in Penonomé, including the St John Baptist Cathedral, and a highway west of the capital split in half.

Tremors were strongly felt in Panama City, according to witnesses speaking with Reuters; the Associated Press noted shaking buildings and residents gathering outside awaiting updates.

The USGS warned hazardous waves could affect the coasts of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico, although the tsunami warning for Chile was cancelled at 4:18 p.m. local time.

Omar Smith of the National Civil Protection Service said on Telemetro Reporta that damage was concentrated in the central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos, with no reports of damage in the capital, known for its many skyscrapers.

He confirmed several injuries, including one person struck by debris from a partially collapsed building in Penonomé, about 150 km (93 mi) from the capital. A partial collapse and cracks were seen at the cathedral in the town’s main square, as well as damage to the governor’s office building and the Dos Continentes hotel; no immediate casualties were reported.

Local outlets also reported the collapse of the colonial‑style Church of San Atanasio in Los Santos province, a National Historic Heritage Site since 1938. In Veraguas province, large fissures appeared along roadways.

Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, one of the region’s busiest hubs with over 20 million travelers in 2025, announced a temporary suspension of operations and activation of evacuation plans, saying flights would resume once safety checks were completed.

The Panama Canal Authority said canal operations continued normally on the vital global trade route, emphasizing employee, vessel and crew safety, and that specialist technical teams were inspecting facilities for possible damage.

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